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R2v3 now divides the R2 Standard into “Core” and specialized “Process” requirements. While all R2 certified facilities are held to the Core requirements, the Process requirements only apply to facilities that perform these processes: Downstream Recycling Chain, Data Sanitization, Test and Repair, Specialty Electronics, Materials Recovery, and Brokering.
R2v3 has increased emphasis on reuse and enhanced data security controls and strengthened the requirements in key areas of data protection, managing the flow of material through downstream vendors, and environmental health and safety requirements.
The Core Requirements
Scope: There are added scope requirements to ensure transparency and that all R2-related activities performed by a facility are audited and included on the R2 Certificate.
Hierarchy: This covers the hierarchy of reuse first, followed by materials recovery for recycling and disposal. It mandates the policy to include hierarchical & responsible management strategies that prioritize reuse, followed by recovery and recycling.
Environmental, Health & Safety: This requirement area in R2v3 directs the R2 Facility to have a certified Environmental, Health, and Safety Management System (EHSMS) to protect the health and safety of workers, the public, and the environment under both normal and (reasonably foreseeable) exceptional circumstances.
Legal & Other Requirements: This is a requirement for a legal compliance plan, to comply with all applicable environmental, health, safety, and data security legal requirement. It requires a plan for identifying, monitoring & demonstrating legal compliance with all applicable environmental, health, safety, and data security legal requirements, and only import and export electronic equipment, components, and materials in full compliance with all applicable importing, transit, and exporting countries’ laws.
Tracking Throughput: This area defines the requirements for tracking, managing, and maintaining records for all equipment managed inbound and outbound. The purpose is to ensure that all streams of equipment and materials are identified, tracked and properly managed throughout processing. It requires detailed tracking and records of inbound streams of equipment and materials, changes to those streams as a result of internal processing, and outbound streams that leave facility.
Sorting, Categorization & Processing: This is a requirement for processes for assessing, organizing, and categorizing the electronic equipment, based on R2 Equipment Categorization (REC), to identify the status of electronic equipment, components, and materials, and determine the next step in processing.
Data Security: This is to ensure that the electronics handled are protected from data breaches, through the use of secured areas, data sanitization, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The purpose of this core requirement is to ensure all data containing devices are secured from the moment they enter the control of an R2 Facility, and that data is effectively sanitized. It also defines the approved methods for sanitizing equipment in a timely & effective manner.
Focus Materials: Focus Materials (FMs) require special handling and processing due to the risks of the materials, and/or the processes used to recover them. It requires facilities to have a Focus Materials management plan and downstream flowchart to final disposition OR to the first R2 Facility. The purpose of this core requirement is to ensure all FMs, including those contained within electronic items, are identified and properly managed.
Facility: The focus of this Core requirement is on the facility itself – that it be legally compliant to protect the health/safety of workers, as well as the public, and protect the environment. Key requirements address conditions for where and how items should be processed and stored, evaluating site risks and maintaining adequate insurance to cover those risks, and planning for proper closure of the facility in the event it unexpectedly ceases operation.
Transport: This area specifies the standards for safe and legally compliant transportation of electronic equipment, components, and materials. The purpose is to ensure the safe, secure and legal transport of all items. Reusable items require proper packaging to prevent damage during transport. Focus Materials or other items may require special packaging and handling to prevent releases or other safety risks. Data containing items must be appropriately secured and tracked. All items must be transported in compliance with legal requirements as defined in the Facility’s Legal Compliance Plan (see CR 4), and with appropriate shipping documentation.
The Process Requirements
R2v3 has six appendices that list process requirements for certification
Appendix A- Downstream Chain
Appendix B- Data Sanitization
Appendix C- Testing & Repair
Appendix D- Specialty Electronics Reuse
Appendix E- Materials Recovery
Appendix F- Brokering
One benefit of R2v3 is that it only requires companies to be certified to processes they perform, if a company only performs materials recovery and data sanitization services, then those are the only two appendices the company needs to adhere to. For more information about the R2v3 Process Requirements, read this article.
Interested in getting R2 Certification or upgrade to R2v3? Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with an IBEC expert now.
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